Test screening

Test screening, directed by Clark Baker, invites audiences to immerse themselves in a meticulously crafted narrative that draws on the essence of 1980s cinema while carving out its own place in the science fiction/horror genre. Set in the small, isolated town of New Hope, Oregon, in the summer of 1982, the film delves into the lives of four friends - Reels (Drew Scheid), Penny (Chloë Kerwin), Mia (Rain Spencer) and Simon (Johnny Berchtold) - whose ordinary summer takes an ominous turn after a local cinema holds a mysterious test screening. Clark Baker masterfully uses the era, not as a cheap nostalgia ploy, but as a lens through which to explore deeper social themes, balancing character development with a chilling conspiracy plot.

The heart of Test Screening lies in its characters, all animated by a palpable authenticity. Reels, played with charisma and humor by Drew Scheid, is a film fanatic whose love of movies becomes both a source of joy and a shield against the sinister events unfolding around him. Penny, played by Chloë Kerwin, emerges as the emotional center of the story. Her portrait is nuanced and fleshed out, portraying a young woman struggling with a forbidden love for her best friend Mia, strikingly played by Rain Spencer. Johnny Berchtold's character, Simon, a teenager overwhelmed by his family responsibilities, adds another layer of complexity. The relationships between these characters are real, with the film spending a lot of time on their stories, making their struggles and triumphs resonate.

The film begins with an electrifying premise: a Hollywood test screening in a decaying Oregon town, filled with youthful anticipation at the idea of a potential Spielberg or Carpenter masterpiece. However, the excitement quickly turns sinister when the screening turns out to be a mind-control experiment, altering the behavior of most of the participants, including Mia and Simon. Penny and Reels, unaffected by the projection, must piece together the frightening truth behind the film's lens. Clark Baker's plot deftly blends elements of cosmic horror and body snatching, recalling such classics as Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Society. Yet the story also sets itself apart by tackling themes of individuality and conformity, a conflict that resonates beyond the '80s setting.

Clark Baker's direction, coupled with Stephen Susco's co-writing, is commendable for its attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. The decision to set the film in 1982 goes beyond mere aesthetics. The cultural anxieties of the time - concerning conformity, authority and traditional values - form the backbone of the narrative. The parallels drawn between the '80s and today, particularly with regard to societal divisions, add a poignant dimension to the story. The commentary on how conformity can suppress individuality, particularly when it comes to personal identity and expression, is as relevant today as it was in the Reagan era.

The film's technical execution is equally remarkable. The practical effects used to depict the grotesque transformations of the town's inhabitants after the screening are a highlight, evoking comparisons with The Thing. These effects, combined with strange, alien-like images, amplify the film's Lovecraftian overtones, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits have rolled. The production design, from the Amblin-esque lighting to the meticulously recreated '80s small-town aesthetic, immerses the viewer in the era without lapsing into nostalgia.

While the film's strengths lie in its character-driven approach and atmospheric tone, Test Screening falters slightly in its pacing. The central act, centered on Penny and Reels' investigation into the mind-control plot, feels repetitive at times, stretching the plot further than necessary. Moreover, although the horror elements are expertly realized, they are few and far between, making some parts of the film less engaging. The main theme of mind control, while fascinating in concept, doesn't always have the impact it promised.

Despite these flaws, Test Screening succeeds in being a thoughtful, character-driven exploration of '80s paranoia and cosmic horror. Chloë Kerwin's outstanding performance as Penny anchors the story's emotional core, while Drew Scheid's Reels provides a much-needed balance of levity and determination. Rain Spencer and Johnny Berchtold round out the cast with memorable performances that add depth to their characters' struggles.

Clark Baker's Test Screening is a film that respects the intelligence of its audience, offering a tale steeped in the conventions of the genre but bold enough to chart its own course. It reminds us of the power of cinema, not only as a means of entertainment, but also as a tool for reflection, criticism and connection. With its blend of social commentary, compelling characters and unforgettable images, Test Screening is a film that, despite its flaws, deserves a place in the pantheon of modern sci-fi horror. Our editors recommend that you discover this excellent film as soon as it is released in cinemas or on VOD.

Test screening
Directed by Clark Baker
Produced by Warren Kohler, Michael Mobley, Stephen Susco
Written by Clark Baker, Stephen Susco
Starring Drew Scheid, Amy Hargreaves, James Urbaniak, Sean Bridgers, Johnny Berchtold, Rain Spencer, Ted Rooney, Alex Hurt, Chloë Kerwin, Jeanine Jackson, Brian Sutherland, Jenny Lam Tien, Kody Harvard, Jeb Berrier, Adam Dougherty, Timothy Krabill, Tom Walton, Sean Tarjyoto, Grayson Palumbo, Darielle Mason, Brenna Rhian, La'Tevin Alexander, Matt Nichols, Talya Bauer, Ava Dorn, Betsy Baxter, Cole Failing, Baylee Lowe, Mark Pettet, Natalie Sue, Rowan Vik
Music by Austin Wintory
Cinematography : Dan Adlerstein
Edited by Gracie Hartmann, Andrew Wesman
Production companies : Parallax Ventures
Distributed by NC
Release date : NC
Running time : 92 minutes

Viewed on October 14, 2024 (Fantastic Fest 2024 press screener)

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